Giving a boost to sports in the State, the Odisha government has awarded Rs.60 lakh for six sportswomen who qualified for Rio Olympics.

"Odisha government has decided to double the amount of cash
prize for sportspersons from the State in the international events
like Olympics," said a press release issued by the Chief
Minister's office.

In
Focus

"Any sportsperson of the State winning a gold medal in such
competitions would be given a cash award of Rs 1 crore while silver
and bronze medalists would be given Rs 60 lakh and Rs 40 lakh
respectively," the release added.

The players who would be getting the award are sprinter Dutee
Chand representing India in 100-metre and sprinter Srabani Nanda in
200-metre women's events, and four hockey players Lilima Minz, Deep
Grace Ekka, Sunita Lakra and Namita Toppo.

"The special cash award will help them prepare better for the
Games. I wish all six players the best and may they return with
flying colours," said Odhisa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

The Cheif Minister has ordered Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) to
transfer the award money into the accounts of the players. Dutee
belongs to a poor family from Gopalpur village in Jajpur, while
Srabani comes from Kandhamal district which is dominated by tribal
people. Four hockey players belong to Sundargarh, which is tribal as
well.

The State government has doubled the awards from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1
lakh and also that the Olympians participating in individual events
will get 1 lakh each.

"I hope that the six sportswomen will come out with flying
colours and bring glory for their state as well as for the country,"
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said after announcing the special
incentives.

Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Sudam Marandi said, "We
feel that sports personalities from the State would be encouraged by
the new cash prize announced by the government."